Both films share a director, with Fletcher having stepped in at a late stage of Bohemian Rhapsody's production following Bryan Singer's dismissal.

Variety's reviewer was disappointed Rocketman did not take a deeper look at Sir Elton's life, writing the film "seems mostly preoccupied with the surface idea of Elton: the outrageous wardrobe, the spectacular showmanship, and his relatively unusual status as an openly gay megastar".

The Hollywood Reporter said while the Cannes audience gave the film a standing ovation, reactions among the general audience "will likely be more mixed".

It added: "As a fantasia on the making of Elton John, Rocketman at the very least commits wholeheartedly to its flashy eccentricity, and for many, that will be more than fun enough".

David Furnish, Sir Elton John and Taron Egerton (Image: Getty)

The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw awarded the film three stars, saying Egerton "gamely does a middleweight impersonation, more comfortable with the lighter side: better at the tiaras than the tantrums".

Another three-star review, this time from the Independent, praised Egerton's performance, saying he excels in the role of Sir Elton.

Entertainment website The Wrap gave a generally positive review, saying Rocketman can be fun, but also "a melodramatic slog when it's not embracing the craziness of its musical numbers".